Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has said that neither he nor the country’s ruling United Russia party believe there’s any need for a countrywide ban on gay propaganda.

Responding to a reporter’s question at a press conference, Medvedev opined, “not every moral issue, behavioral habit or communication issue between people should be regulated.”

He also indicated such legislation is not a priority in Moscow, saying, “it’s not discussed at all levels.”

Activist Nikolai Alekseev, who has been arrested protesting St. Petersburg’s ban, says Medvedev’s statement is a “strong signal” a federal law isn’t forthcoming. But he told Gay Star News that the prime minister seems ignorant of the official discussion of a ban scheduled December 19.

Or maybe Medvedev’s just lying. Politicians do that sometimes, y’know.